WhiteWave Foods appoints president for newly acquired organic business

The WhiteWave Foods Company has named Kevin C. Yost as president of the company’s newly acquired Earthbound Farm business. Charlie Sweat, previously CEO of Earthbound Farm, will move into an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition.

The rest of the Earthbound Farm management team will continue to serve in their current roles.

With the Jan. 2 completion of the Earthbound Farm acquisition, WhiteWave Foods said it will offer products across the most popular gateways for consumers to enter into the organic category — produce with Earthbound Farm and dairy with its established Horizon Organic brand.

As president of the organic brand, Yost will have full operational responsibility for the Earthbound Farm business. He will report to Gregg Engles, CEO and chairman at the WhiteWave Foods Company, and serve on the company’s executive leadership team.

Yost most recently worked with Saputo, a global CPG company in branded and private label foods and beverages. He has more than 22 years of CPG and food industry experience driving shareholder value at leading, multi-billion dollar companies, including Dean Foods’ Morningstar division, ConAgra Foods and Swift and Company.

“We are excited to have Kevin grow and lead the Earthbound Farm business and the company’s talent,” said Engles. “His deep experience leading companies through change, improving operations, leading product development, driving above-market revenue and earnings growth, and building winning cultures makes him the perfect leader for Earthbound Farm. We look forward to his contributions to build on the company’s success as we work together to change the way the world eats for the better.”

According to the company, Sweat is vacating the Earthbound Farm CEO spot after more than 15 years to pursue a variety of professional and personal ventures, including joining the board of directors of the nonprofit Global Green USA. Under his leadership, Earthbound Farm’s U.S. organic salad market share rose to 50% while the company’s organic sales grew from $10 million to more than $500 million.

“Charlie is a passionate leader who helped grow Earthbound Farm into a major player and influencer in the organic food industry and therefore a very attractive business to WhiteWave,” added Engles. “We look forward to benefiting from Charlie’s expertise during the transition in an advisory role, appreciate all that he has done to make the company a success, and wish him the same success as he takes on these new ventures.”

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